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Two more NI swine flu deaths

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Two more swine flu deaths confirmed
Two more people with swine flu, including a nine-year-old child, have died in the last week.

Both patients, the youngster and a 65-year-old woman, are said to have had underlying health conditions.

Details have been released in the latest weekly update from the Department of Health.

According to the Department of Health, there has been a decrease in the number of swine flu cases.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said that may have been due to the half-term holidays.

"Swine flu is clearly still circulating widely in the community," he said. "After a sustained increase for several weeks we have seen a decrease this week in some of the key indicators.

"However, the decrease may be partly due to half term holidays and it is too soon to say whether the peak has been reached."

Swine flu levels remain highest amongst the 5-14 age group and hospitalisations have increased again this week.

"Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are a priority within our vaccination programme and I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine when it is offered," Dr McBride added.

The programme to vaccinate pregnant woman has started and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said there had been a significant uptake.

Mr McGimpsey expressed his sympathies to the families of those who had died.

"I am saddened to hear of these further deaths and my thoughts are with the families and friends at this very difficult time for them," he said.

The latest figures bring the total number of swine flu related deaths in Northern Ireland to ten.

© UTV News

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